Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern-day greats, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, leaving behind a legacy that will be celebrated for generations. With 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, 30 centuries, and seven double-centuries, Kohli redefined Indian Test cricket with his passion, aggression, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
His ability to dominate in challenging conditions, lead from the front, and inspire his team made him a transformative figure in the longest format. From his first Test hundred to historic series victories, Kohli’s career is studded with moments that showcase his brilliance and resilience.Â
As we reflect on his illustrious Test journey, certain performances stand out as defining milestones. Whether it was silencing critics abroad or leading India to unprecedented triumphs, Virat Kohli’s Test career is a testament to his status as the "King" of cricket. Here, we list the top five moments that capture the essence of Kohli’s Test career:
Also read: Its official! Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket, BCCI, & fans shocked
Top 5 Best Moments of Virat Kohli's Test Career
- Maiden Test Century
Kohli’s maiden Test century came during the 2011-12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, marking the arrival of a future superstar. At just 23 years of age, batting at No. 6 in a star-studded middle order featuring Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman, Kohli scored 116 runs in India’s first innings total of 272 runs.Â
Facing a formidable Australian attack, including Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle, his composed knock showed maturity beyond his years. Though India lost the match, this century was a glimpse of Kohli’s potential to dominate in tough conditions, setting the stage for his meteoric rise.
- First Test Hundred in England
Kohli’s 2014 England tour was a nightmare, yielding just 134 runs in five Tests, with James Anderson exposing his vulnerability outside off-stump. When he returned in 2018 as captain, critics doubted his ability to conquer English conditions. Kohli silenced them with a masterful 149-run knock in the first Test at Edgbaston.Â
Against a potent attack featuring Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Sam Curran, he scored more than half of India’s first-innings total of 274 runs, with the next-best score being 26 runs. His 51 runs in the second innings were not enough to prevent a 31-run defeat, but this knock dispelled doubts about his technique and showcased his ability to adapt and dominate.
- Lord’s Victory in 2021 Test Series
Kohli’s captaincy peaked in India’s 151-run victory at Lord’s in 2021, a match that epitomized his aggressive leadership and team spirit. Batting first, India posted 364 runs, but Kohli’s tactical acumen came to the fore in England’s second innings as India had 60 overs to bowl England out. They did so, but in just 51.5 overs as India defended a target of 272 runs.Â
Kohli’s animated leadership, especially during tense moments, galvanized the team, and this win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series.
- Winning the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar TrophyÂ
Kohli’s greatest achievement as Test captain was leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a 2-1 victory that ended a 71-year wait. The series began with a 31-run win in Adelaide. After the defeat in Perth, India won in Melbourne. A draw in Sydney sealed the series for India. Kohli became the first Indian and Asian captain to win a Test series Down Under.
- Twin Centuries in 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Kohli’s first Test as stand-in captain during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide was a defining moment. Stepping in for injured MS Dhoni, he scored 115 runs and 141 runs in the two innings. His second-innings knock nearly pulled off a 364-run chase on a fifth-day pitch, falling short by just 48 runs.
Kohli’s fearless batting and leadership under pressure announced his arrival as a captain and batter of rare caliber. He scored 692 runs in the series and silenced his critics after a poor England tour.
